A 34-year-old Waterfalls man allegedly defrauded a complainant of US$33,000 after collecting the money for diesel at a house in Highlands on September 10, 2026, promising to deliver the fuel the same day but failing to do so.
Arnold Chalamanda, 34, of Waterfalls, appeared before Harare magistrate Nyasha Marufu facing a charge of fraud. He was represented by Tanaka Kangira of Mudimu Law Chambers.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that Chalamanda connived with his accomplice, Masimba Mashanga, who is still at large, to defraud the complainant by falsely claiming they could supply diesel.
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It is alleged that Mashanga hired an InDrive driver, Takudzwa Forbes Nyamadzawo, who was driving a vehicle with registration number AHC 2242, to transport Chalamanda and the complainant to Number 59 Shee Avenue, Highlands, to collect the money.
The court heard that the complainant handed the money to Chalamanda inside the vehicle in the presence of the driver. The complainant was seated in the front passenger seat, the driver was behind the wheel, and Chalamanda occupied the rear seat.
After receiving the money, Chalamanda and his accomplice allegedly promised to deliver the diesel that same day. However, they failed to do so and continued giving the complainant false assurances until he realised he had been duped and filed a report with ZRP Highlands.
The State alleges that the complainant suffered a loss of US$33,000. No fuel was delivered, and the money was not recovered.
Chalamanda was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court today for a bail hearing.
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